Murder trial over 2018 killing of Jennifer S. begins at Vienna Regional Court

Confession and discovery of the remains

In December of last year, the suspect confessed and led criminal investigators to the buried mortal remains of the victim. As emerged years later, he is alleged to have killed the woman in 2018 and initially left her body in the area of Großweikersdorf in the district of Tulln. The remains were ultimately buried in the district of Zwettl near the Allentsteig military training area.

Investigations into the death of the 21-year-old, who had vanished without a trace, received new leads in 2025 through a chat, as reported by the Chronik desk. Criminal investigations against the suspect on suspicion of deprivation of liberty had already been discontinued in April 2019.

Range of punishment and request for placement

Before an assize court, the defendant now faces ten to 20 years or life imprisonment. In addition, the public prosecutor's office has applied, under § 21 (2) of the Criminal Code (StGB), for the man to be placed in a forensic therapeutic center.

Support services for those affected by violence

The Women's Helpline against Violence, 0800/222-555, is available around the clock, in multiple languages, anonymously, and free of charge to all women, relatives, and interested parties. The Vienna Protection Against Violence Center can be reached at 01/585-32-88, the City of Vienna's 24-hour Women's Emergency Hotline at 01-71719, and the online counseling service HelpChat "Halt der Gewalt" also offer low-threshold assistance to those affected.

The Crime Prevention Unit of the Vienna State Criminal Police Office additionally offers personal consultations via the hotline 0800/216346. The police emergency number 133 is reachable at any time.

The start of the trial on August 27 is eagerly awaited, as the confession and the location of the mortal remains are considered central pieces of evidence. The case occupied Vienna's investigative authorities for years before the breakthrough came in December 2025.